The Academy

NEXT GENERATION

ELITE YOUTH GOALKEEPER PLATFORM

THE ACADEMY IS TGK's ONLY INVITE ONLY TRAINING PROGRAM

COMMON QUESTIONS

How can my goalkeeper join?

Academy goalkeepers are invited by one or more of our staff members from our Clinics or Camps, where they have been evaluated and worked with one or more of our staff members for a period of time.

How does a goalkeeper get evaluated?

Primarily through our weekly training sessions and camps, goalkeepers would have worked with Tiger Goalkeeping coaches on more than one occasion where they have shown to have a great tactical understanding of the position and impressive technical abilities for their age. Also, they have proved to have the type of competitive attitude that we strive to create in our environment each Academy session.

What if I believe my goalkeeper should be in Academy sessions?

Reach out to Chris or Matt via email, which will most likely result in an invitation to either a future Clinic for evaluation or a single session with the Academy as a trial.

Why are the Academy programs invitation only?

TGA sessions are small grouped environments that are multi-faceted and fast paced. So, to ensure the proper coach to goalkeeper ratio while also keeping the competitive nature of each session, our staff makes sure that the Academy goalkeepers are individuals that will not only challenge themselves but make their peers better.

Can I buy a TGA uniform?

Unfortunately, our Academy training tops and shorts are only for current TGA goalkeepers that are participating.

NEXT GEN ACADEMY

Our Next Generation Academy is built for youth goalkeepers performing well beyond the typical level for their age—both in competitive games and training environments. Like our Senior Academy, this program is tailored for young keepers who’ve already demonstrated impressive technical ability, raw instincts, and a strong mentality for the position. As with the Senior Academy, entry into this program is by invitation only.

In Next Gen, we focus on refining and building upon the technical strengths that earned each keeper their spot. Sessions are designed to challenge and develop their skill set even further, while also placing a stronger emphasis on tactical awareness and decision-making. The goal is to help these young athletes grow into confident, well-rounded goalkeepers who are prepared for higher levels of training and competition—now and in the future.

As with the Senior Academy, Next Gen is a staff invitation only program for 11-14yo goalkeepers. We have currently have goalkeepers involved in these platforms; MLS Next, ECNL, Girls Academy, other Regional and National leagues, and higher ODP platforms.

ACADEMY DAY 2025

About Academy Day

This once-a-year event is designed to bring together goalkeepers from both Tiger Goalkeeping Grand Rapids and Metro Detroit Academy for a full day dedicated to collaboration, growth, and shared learning. Academy Day offers a unique opportunity for our Academy goalkeepers from each program on both sides of the state to connect, compete, and develop through a blend of on-field instruction, high-level training sessions, and off-field discussions focused on the technical, tactical, and leadership aspects of the position. Hosted at the TGK Headquarters, the day also includes classroom sessions aimed at deepening each goalkeeper's understanding of the game and reinforcing the values that define the Tiger Goalkeeping culture.

Looking ahead, the future of Academy Day is bright—with plans in place to make it a semiannual event, giving our goalkeepers more regular opportunities to learn and train with one another, and continue raising the standard across both Academy programs.

Michigan training locations; Grand Rapids & Metro Detroit

2025 ACADEMY STAFF

Matt LeBlanc

Academy Coach

2025 NEXT GEN GOALKEEPERS

Coming Soon

Winter 2025

Contact us today to learn more.

Embrace Messy Learning

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Weekly Clinics

Weekly goalkeeper training opportunities for all ages and skill levels to improve their technical skills, as well as decision-making through realistic game scenarios.

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Camps Series

Our seasonal goalkeeper camps are the best way to provide a fun environment for individuals of all skill sets and ages to learn and explore the position, as well as constantly compete in a true goalkeeper specific setting.

Upcoming Camps

Elite goalkeeper training for our athletes that are currently playing at the higher levels. This invite-only program puts like-minded individuals in an intense training environment to better their skills and tactical decision-making.

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